Kona brew fest returns: But new location, format on tap this year
The 29th annual Kona Brewers Festival is returning with a new format and venue featuring 19 breweries from around the state, Alaska and the mainland.
State measure to help combat invasive two-line spittlebug
The State House of Representatives Committee on Finance took up a measure on Thursday to fund mitigation and control of the two-lined spittlebug, an invasive pest that has destroyed thousands of acres of pasture land on the Big Island.
Man accused of shooting girlfriend changes plea
As jury selection was underway for his trial, an Ocean View man indicted on eight counts related to an attempted murder and subsequent manhunt changed his plea to no contest Thursday in Kona Circuit Court.
Affordable housing project gets boost from County Council
The Hawaii County Council on Wednesday unanimously adopted a resolution exempting the developer of an affordable housing project of certain code requirements.
Homeless camp cleared at Kona pool
A homeless encampment at the Kona Aquatics Center was removed Thursday morning with police and Parks and Recreation staff performing park rules enforcement.
Cats and companionship: Kona Kat Cafe serves refreshments and felines ready for adoption
Kona has a new cafe that is serving up a purrrfectly delightful experience.
Public input sought on wastewater master plan
The Hawaii County Department of Environmental Management is requesting public input about a Draft Regional Wastewater Master Plan for Puako and other communities within the South Kohala District.
Retrial ends in Kona hotel beating case
Two defendants originally convicted of the attempted murder of a security guard at the Kona Seaside Hotel are free after a jury found them guilty of lesser offenses in a retrial that concluded Wednesday.
Judge rules for state in Aina Lea case
After multiple lawsuits, property changing hands and land use disputes, the State of Hawaii prevailed on the latest litigation involving the Villages at Aina Lea, a long-planned development in South Kohala, mauka of the Mauna Lani Resort.
Kona airport closed again
Travelers coming to and leaving from Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole were informed Tuesday morning that the airport was closed.
Community gathers to dedicate Rockne Freitas Way
Rockne Freitas may have been an all-pro NFL player for 11 years, but his legacy lives on as a great leader and visionary in higher education in Hawaii. On Saturday, his legacy was honored by the dedication of Rockne Freitas Way, the entrance to Hawaii Community College at Palamanui.
Clinical Labs of Hawaii loses contract with Kona, Ka‘u hospitals
Clinical Labs of Hawaii has been providing laboratory services at Kona Community Hospital for decades, but that relationship is coming to an end in June.
More homeless camps cleared
State Department of Transportation crews, joined by Hawaii Police Department Community Policing Officers, cleared out three drainage tunnels and another encampment in Kona on Wednesday, hauling away tons of trash.
Kona Vistas draws more opposition: Concerns raised during meeting of state Land Use Commission
A decades-long proposed Kona development went before the state Land Use Commission on Wednesday to address questions related to the project’s status.
Exemptions sought for Kuakini Heights project
The County Council Committee on Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions will meet today to discuss a resolution allowing an affordable housing developer exemptions to certain code requirements.
Bills seek to establish correctional facility in West Hawaii
Two bills being heard in State House Committees call for a correctional facility to be built in West Hawaii.
Workaround sought for Old Kona Airport park
It has been nearly five years since Hawaii County announced plans to demolish the dilapidated “terminal” building at Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area, yet the fenced off structure remains an eyesore at the entrance to the park.
Lawmakers hope to get specific Hawaii coffee labeling
For decades, legislation has been introduced in the Hawaii Legislature to regulate the percentage of locally grown coffee in blends that name a specific Hawaii region on labeling, and lawmakers hope this could be the year the measure could become law.
Bills being heard at the Capitol
As the state legislative session is in full swing, scores of introduced bills that made it past first reading are making their way through committee hearings.
Proposed Kona Vistas project to go before Land Use Commission
A proposed Kona development that has spent decades in planning and is vehemently opposed by neighboring communities will be in front of the state Land Use Commission on Feb. 7 to address questions related to the project.
